Amplifying Jerry Kennedy's 1950 Martin 00-18

Music legend Jerry Kennedy has left an indelible mark as both a studio musician and the head of Mercury Records, working with such iconic artists as Roger Miller, Tom T. Hall, Elvis, Bob Dylan, Reba McEntire, and many others. As a young boy, Jerry’s mother bought him his first high quality acoustic guitar - a 1950 Martin 00-18. Unfortunately, a few months later, the guitar was seriously damaged after falling off of the roof of a car and Jerry was given a Gibson J-50 as a replacement. Fast forward to 2021, after a span of 70 years, Jerry received an unexpected phone call from a family friend, informing him that they had his “old guitar”. To his astonishment, it turned out to be true, and Jerry was reunited with his Martin.
In this LR Baggs Handcrafted Video, Jerry's son, Gordon Kennedy, takes us through the fascinating story of this extraordinary guitar. He reveals how C. F. Martin & Company meticulously brought it back to life and made it playable again. Gordon now performs with the guitar in front of audiences with the help of the new LR Baggs HiFi Bridge Plate Pickup System. We’re proud to have played a part in reviving this guitar and sharing its story with our audience.
To find out more about the Kennedy family, click the links below.
Jerry Kennedy... en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Jerry_K...
Gordon Kennedy... www.gordonkennedymusic.com/
LR Baggs... www.lrbaggs.com/
Filmed and Edited by... Mike Luckett
Audio Mixed by... Joe Pisapia

[@user-wh1iv8dv4u]

I have known and loved the Kennedy family for almost 60 years. Gordon, this is beautiful and made my eyes foggy. Jerry is my good longtime bud. Thank you so much for this story.

[@timothyappling9172]

This is the best Martin guitar story or any guitar story I have ever heard. Thanks for sharing. I learned to play guitar on my dad's 1946 Martin D-18 at 10 years old which I recently inherited along with his second 1946 D-18, 1949 D-28 and 1952 000-18. They are still all in their original played condition. Your story makes me cherish these guitars even more.

[@369dusty]

This story is what legends are made of. Unbelievable 70 year span to get reunited with his beloved Martin. Thank you for sharing this one of a kind story. What history for a guitar that has 9 lives ! Very emotional story. The timing of everything is extraordinary to say the least. It would make an excellent movie !!!

[@kayeninetwo3585]

What a great story and song! I also have a 1950's Martin 00-18 guitar, which is what drew me to this video. I got it from a older fellow named Howard who came into my store, and we became friends. He was in his '80's and it turned out he worked with my dad back in the 1950's, though we didn't realize that when we first met. He wasn't a great singer or player, but he had a uniquely resonant voice and absolutely loved Hank Williams and was a very gentle person. I'm really glad I have his guitar, even though I don't play anymore. More than anything else that guitar makes me think of Howard.

[@choiceblade]

Wow. Hella history. You made some masterful choices, you and your folks. I'm left with a deeply resounding appreciation and understanding that it's what we do with the people and opportunities that come our way. How I choose to interpret what things mean and then act in my life accordingly. What your Granddad, pops and Ma did was truly special. Your song and your music is downright special too, Jerry. Thank you.

[@billyrader2560]

Wow what a great legacy, story and lesson all in one. I grew up on the same songs and artists that Gordan mentioned in his song. Coming from a musical family myself, I want to thank you for sharing the story about the seeds your grandpa planted and how your grandma worked hard to pay for the Martin 00-18 over 70 yrs ago.

[@blindcanseemusic]

Gripping story from start to end. That guitar is priceless, and what a fantastic song... but I'm really commenting to say I noticed the "she loves you" reference at the end...must be a real big Beatles fan. Thank you

[@lafreeway]

I rarely watch an entire youtube video but I was sorry that this one had to end.

[@RossD8]

Nothing beats a heartfelt story that is well told. Thanks for sharing.

[@megibug]

What a truly incredible story - and what a fabulous story teller as well. Thank you for sharing… so touching.

[@scottmersereau4816]

What a mesmerizing and fantastic story. Thanks for sharing it Gordon. God Bless!

[@metalgeezerdude]

Wonderful story. Reminds me of my first guitar!

[@jed1166]

Wonderful story! The power of music always amazes!

[@aaronshortmusic]

Great story thanks for sharing!

[@CSCoffield]

I loved every second of this story! Wonderfully! Every second. I’m a long time appreciator of LR Baggs gear and a many a decade fan of Gordon. I first discovered his playing in the mid 80s on “White Heart” records. I have celebrated his playing and writing ever since. Well done Lloyd and Gordon. 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼 .

[@michaeldimmitt2188]

I know him from Whiteheart too! L.R. Baggs gear only known of about 10-15 years. Got my wife the Venue for her DI/Tuner/EQ box with her 27 year old Guild All American. She has been leading worship now about 30 years with YWAM (21yrs) and had her Guild most of that time. The cutaway supports or something at the neck is giving out though and the top is caving in as the neck is going sideways. I hope to rebuild it or get someone else to take the project on so as to keep it Praising the Lord!

[@BrianODonohue]

Wow! What a beautiful heartwarming story! Thank You for sharing it! :)

[@woo-pot-keeponi3467]

I love this so much!

[@kylecravens6501]

Thank you for capturing this great story!

[@tommykib]

Amazing story and awesome people all along the way!

[@coolbluesman06]

What a fantastic story.. Thanks!

[@danherrick5785]

This story reminds me of the movie The Red Violin. The movie follows a violin for 300 years all over the world. A short movie needs to be done here.

[@benjohnstonmusic5131]

Amazing story!

[@rjvandygriff1]

Great story!

[@houseofjesseworship]

such a cool story!

[@jasper_north]

Lovely

[@martyjoyking4905]

❤️

[@BrazosP]

Great story. I just don’t understand how that guitar teacher and their family could hold on to that guitar and not give it back - especially after they fixed it. It just isn’t right. Did they feel they replaced his and so could keep it??

[@benclaase8181]

What a touching story. Thank you for sharing. Beautiful song and sound. What LR Baggs system did you install?

[@benclaase8181]

Never mind, found the info , read in the details LR Baggs Hifi system.

[@brianamato1078]

"Silvertone, my first 6 string". Yea, me too. Sears Roebuck....100 bucks.

[@doodlemadhouse]

mentioning what pickup it was would have been better advertisement for their product.

[@kurtinklern3262]

#Sappy #Useless #Fishman